Youth & Family Ministry Program

An Emphasis of our Christian Ministry Degree Program

Course Descriptions

Christian Ministry Core Requirements:

CMIN 2353 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MINISTRY (3 hrs)

This course is a broad overview of various aspects of Christian ministry. It includes an introduction to missions, pastoral and youth ministries, worship leadership, and educational ministry. The biblical basis, principles, and practices of each area of ministry are examined. The course is designed for students pursuing either vocational or lay ministry.

CMIN 3112 CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL FORMATION(2 hrs)

This course is a study about Christian spiritual formation, which is the process of being shaped by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ. Studies help students identify how God transforms Christ-followers and what their individual collective responsibilities are in that process. Although much of the course is informative, the ultimate goal is that it will be transformative as students apply what they learn in their own spiritual journey and use what they learn in discipling others.

CMIN 4723 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY COUNSELING(3 hrs)

This course is designed for those in leadership positions. The course is practical and applicable to the counseling problems common to pastors and church leaders.

LEAD 3823 CONCEPTS OF LEADERSHIP(3 hrs)

This course is a study of the concepts of leadership presented in the Scriptures with the goal of maximizing leadership potential.

MISS 3113 PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT(3 hrs)

This is an in-depth study of world missions. It includes extensive study of God’s global mission for all every tribe, tongue and nation. This course is offered for credit from the U.S. Center for World Mission and is held in local churches. (With approval from the program director this course can replace the in-class course MISS 3223 Global Ministry).

MISS 3223 GLOBAL MINISTRY (3 hrs)

This is a comprehensive study of missions from four perspectives: Biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic. It provides students of all Christian ministry degree programs the opportunity to intensely study and understand the global mission of God and their responsibilities in it. (With approval from the program director this course can be substituted with MISS 3113 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement.)

Youth Ministry Course Descriptions:

CMIN 2003 FOUNDATIONS OF TEACHING(3 hrs)

This course is a study of principles of the teaching-learning process so students will gain skills necessary for transformational communication of the Bible. Methods of teaching and lesson preparation will be studied, followed by practical application experiences.

CMIN 3113 HOMILETICS(3 hrs)

This course is an in-depth study of the science and art governing the preparation and delivery of sermons. The student is taught the classification of knowledge and the art of applying it through speech communication. Various types of sermons, such as topical, textual, and expository, are prepared and preached. Emphasis is placed upon effective message transmitting and receiving activities.

CMIN 3413 INTRODUCTION TO YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY (3 hrs)

This course explores the Biblical, theological and sociological view of youth and family ministry. It will investigate the various models and principles of youth and family ministry and look at the role of parents, youth workers and mentors. It will examine practical techniques for designing and implementing church programs to enrich family life and encourage church-home cooperation. It will include the study of strategies for implementing a multigenerational approach in local church ministry.

CMIN 3523 ADMINISTRATION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION(3 hrs)

This course is designed to assist ministers and lay-leaders in the design, organization, and administration of educational ministries in the local church. Topics include planning, needs assessment, program design and development, recruitment, resource (human and material) management, training, and curriculum evaluation and selection. The general principles and practices covered in the course will also be applicable to parachurch educational ministries.

CMIN 4442 MINISTRY INTERNSHIP (3 hrs)

This course is designed to provide the ministerial student with practical experience and on-the-job training through involvement in the work and ministry of a local church on a regular basis. Classroom time is devoted to discussion and analysis of the student’s church involvement. The course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

CMIN 4523 MINISTRY CAPSTONE(3 hrs)

This is a contract course in which the student does a ministry project/paper that integrates all degree coursework, practical experiences, and personal preparedness for the transition from college into the next necessary stage for engagement in his or her specific ministry track choice. The student will fulfill this requirement during his or her final semester in the program. The student’s work will be evaluated by the instructor assigned to work with him or her, the program director, Christian ministry department chair, and the Executive Vice President. An oral presentation before the preceding team of educators will be part of this evaluation. Prerequisite: Senior standing and approval of the department chair.

LANG 2113 ELEMENTARY GREEK I(3 hrs)

This course is a study of the basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Greek language. Emphasis is given to the Greek of the Hellenistic Period. Facility in translation is developed through the use of practice exercises.

LANG 2213 ELEMENTARY GREEK II(3 hrs)

This course is a continuation of Elementary Greek I (LANG 2113). Further attention is given to the development of elementary grammar, vocabulary, and translation skills. Prerequisite: LANG 2113.

PHIL 3103 CASE STUDIES IN ETHICS(3 hrs)

This course includes readings, discussions, and development of papers pertaining to relevant case studies and readings involving ethical issues applied to actual situations.

PHIL 4213 ADVANCED APOLOGETICS(3 hrs)

This course is an advanced study of the case for Christianity and a critical evaluation of common objections to Christian truth claims. Attention will be given to theoretical arguments for/against the truth of the Christian faith. Emphasis will also be given to the practical application of the ideas discussed for ministry and personal evangelism. Prerequisite: PHIL 1122 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2223 LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY(3 hrs)

This course is a survey of the psychological changes in the human race through the life cycle. This includes the changes in cognitive, social, and emotional physiological development from the prenatal stages through death. Prerequisite: PSYC 1123.

PSYC 3113 CHILD PSYCHOLOGY(3 hrs)

This course is an investigation of the relationship between the child’s development and environmental influences with observations of child behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 1123.

PSYC 3123 ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY(3 hrs)

This course is a study of the physical growth, glandular changes, and emotions of adolescents including interests, religious experience, and social adjustment. Prerequisite: PSYC 1123.

PSYC 3323 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY(3 hrs)

This course is a study of the application of psychological principles to learning and behavior. Results of research as applied to classroom learning and motivation are studied together with factors which help or hinder effective learning. A minimum of 20 hours field experience is required. Prerequisite: PSYC 1123, EDUC 2311, EDUC 3112.

PSYC 3353 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY(3 hrs)

This course presents factors in self-understanding and interpersonal relations. Mate selection, changing roles of men and women, and problems of marital adjustments are investigated from a Christian perspective. Socialization of children and problems of parenthood are also considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 1123 and junior/senior standing.